Black Jack anniversary gets Senate resolution

A resolution recognizing the upcoming 150th anniversary of the Battle of Black Jack was approved May 1 by the Kansas Senate.

The battle between abolitionist John Brown's forces and pro-slavery forces under Henry Clay Pate took place June 2-3, 1856, about three miles east of Baldwin, pictured above. The resolution notes that descriptions of the battle at the time resulted in the first references to a "civil war" and recognizes it as the first battle between pro- and anti-slavery forces.

Sen. Roger Pine, R-Lawrence, introduced the resolution at the request of members of the Black Jack Trust, which plans a June 2-3 sesquicentennial commemoration and related activities.